Joe Walsh Tours, a well-known travel agency in Ireland, has ceased trading because of the downturn in business downturn amid to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Pat Dawson, chief executive of the Irish Travel Agents Association, said: “It is a sad day for the travel industry as this long-established agent closes its doors.
“Joe Walsh Tours was established in 1961 and was one of Ireland’s leading travel companies through the decades, certainly one of the best known.
“Indeed, many travel agents throughout the country learnt their trade with JWT before opening up their own travel agencies.”
He added: “This closure highlights the difficulties the travel industry has been experiencing.
“The ITAA calls on the government to extend income support for travel agents into 2022 when the public are back travelling and holidaying again.”
Holidaymakers who have a booking with Joe Walsh Tours should contact the Commission for Aviation Regulation (CAR).
As a licensed and bonded travel agent, customers may be eligible for a refund, said the ITAA.
The CAR also operates a Refund Credit Note scheme which may cover clients who are yet to receive a refund.
The CAR website said: “Joe Walsh Pilgrimtours t/a Concorde Travel, Joe Walsh Tours, Cara Holidays and Pilgrimages Abroad ceased trading on the 27th April 2021.”
It offers a claim form for customers who bought either travel alone or a travel package commencing in Ireland.
Joe Walsh Pilgrimtours Ltd. has not traded since the start of the pandemic. However, they have remained open during this time to assist customers with refunds and rebookings.
A statement from Joe Walsh Pilgrimtours said the company “did everything they could to see themselves and their customers through the pandemic”.
It added:“Travel protocols in Ireland are the most restrictive in Europe, putting Irish travel companies at a disadvantage to their European counterparts.
“Like many travel agencies and tour operators, Joe Walsh Pilgrimtours Ltd was paying overheads, while at the same time unable to trade and also waiting on refunds from suppliers. Joe Walsh Pilgrimtours Ltd. has worked full-time during the pandemic for no return.
“Joe Walsh Pilgrimtours Ltd has business interruption insurance in place. The company had hoped to be able to continue trading with the benefit of a large refund claim from the insurers. However, it has not been possible to reach agreement with the insurers at this stage. This will now be a matter for the liquidators to progress in due course.”
The directors thanked all their customers, adding: “We would also like to acknowledge the incredible effort that our staff have made, and for their loyalty and support, particularly during the last year.”